SaaS · Sustainability
On October 19, 2026, in Lusaka, Republic of Zambia, on the sidelines of the 20th Ordinary Meeting of the Interministerial Committee of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), His Excellence Ambassador Édouard Bizimana, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Development Cooperation, met with representatives of the Burundian diaspora residing in Zambia.
During the discussions, talks focused on various issues relating to the living conditions of the Burundian community established in Zambia, as well as the diaspora’s contribution to the socio-economic development of Burundi. Participants in this meeting particularly highlighted the essential role played by the diaspora in achieving the country’s development objectives and attaining the Vision of Burundi.
The diaspora representatives also raised the challenges faced by some of their compatriots, notably those related to the lack of legal residency documents. They emphasized the difficulties encountered by undocumented individuals, who are sometimes subject to arrest, detention, and other forms of mistreatment.
To this end, the representatives of the Burundian community requested the support of the Government of Burundi to identify sustainable solutions to this issue. They also pleaded for enhanced accompaniment of the diaspora through mechanisms of guidance, encouragement, and support for the development initiatives and projects they implement in Burundi.
Taking due note of the concerns expressed, His Excellence the Minister reassured his interlocutors of his commitment to faithfully transmit their grievances to the competent authorities. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s constant readiness to maintain a constructive dialogue with the diaspora and to promote close collaboration in favor of national development.
In conclusion, the Minister urged members of the Burundian diaspora to scrupulously respect the laws and regulations of the host country, ensuring in particular compliance with legal requirements regarding residency and documentation. He also encouraged them to remain exemplary ambassadors of Burundi abroad and to continue their contribution to the country’s influence and development.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministère des Affaires Etrangères du Burundi.
Oct 21 · 12:19·APO Group
Healthcare · Automotive
Fenebrutinib FENtrepid and FENhance 1 & 2 late-breaking data demonstrate a therapeutic effect on chronic active lesions, addressing a primary driver of long-term disability progression in multiple sclerosis (MS)
Fenebrutinib FENhance 1 & 2 Phase III pooled data show a 55% reduction in annualised relapse rate (ARR) vs active comparator
Following European Commission paediatric approval on 15 October, new Ocrevus OPERETTA 2 Phase III data show 90% of children aged 10–17 remained relapse-free over two years
Featured in "Best of MSToronto2026", Enspryng METEOROID Phase III data highlight significant attack reduction and improved functional recovery in MOGAD, an underserved autoimmune disease
Basel, 21 October 2026 - Roche (SIX: RO, ROP; OTCQX: RHHBY) announced today new Phase III data for investigational fenebrutinib in multiple sclerosis (MS), demonstrating reduced markers of chronic brain inflammation as well as more comprehensive disease control versus active comparators.1-3 These findings, alongside new Ocrevus® (ocrelizumab) and Enspryng® (satralizumab) data, will be featured across more than 40 abstracts at MSToronto2026 (10th ACTRIMS- ECTRIMS Meeting), held 21 to 23 October in Toronto. Highlights include a fenebrutinib late-breaking presentation and an Enspryng presentation in the “Best of MSToronto2026.4
“Addressing long-term disability progression to preserve people’s independence remains a critical challenge in neuroinflammatory diseases, and particularly in multiple sclerosis,” said Levi Garraway, M.D., Ph.D., Roche’s Chief Medical Officer and Head of Global Product Development. “Our recent data indicate that fenebrutinib can inhibit disease activity inside and outside the central nervous system, underscoring its potential to transform care for people living with relapsing and primary progressive forms of multiple sclerosis.”
Fenebrutinib targets progressive biology inside the brain
New data from the pivotal trials in RMS (FENhance 1 and 2) and PPMS (FENtrepid) support the potential of fenebrutinib as the first and only high-efficacy oral medicine for both forms of MS.
Reduction of chronic active lesions (Late-breaking oral #O137): In the first prospective demonstration of a therapeutic effect on chronic active lesions in MS Phase III clinical trials, data show fenebrutinib reduced the volume of slowly expanding lesions (SELs) by up to 30% (p<0.001) in RMS (over 96 weeks) and PPMS (over 120 weeks), along with a 62% (p=0.001) reduction in accumulation of paramagnetic rim lesions (PRLs) in RMS, versus active comparators. These findings demonstrate that fenebrutinib directly targets chronic neuroinflammation in the brain, a primary driver of disability progression in MS.1
Comprehensive disease control (Poster #P1434): In the pooled RMS trials, three quarters (75%) of fenebrutinib-treated patients showed no evidence of disease activity (NEDA-3) meaning zero relapses, zero MRI activity and zero worsening disability at nearly two years, a 70% reduction (p<0.001) versus the comparator. These results show fenebrutinib’s potential to suppress disease activity and delay progression.2
Preserving brain volume and function (Oral #O089): Pooled RMS data show fenebrutinib reduced the annualised relapse rate (ARR) by 55% versus the comparator (p<0.001) over 96 weeks. In addition, fenebrutinib reduced annual total brain volume loss by 23% (p<0.001) and 12-week composite confirmed disability progression by 16% (p=0.04). These findings demonstrate fenebrutinib’s potential to control relapses, to slow brain tissue loss caused by neuronal cell death and to preserve function.3
Ocrevus provides consistent benefits across all age groups
New data show that Ocrevus provides significant and consistent efficacy across a broad MS patient population, from children 10 years of age to older adults.
Two-year data and immune function in paediatric MS (3 posters on the Phase III OPERETTA 2 study): 90% of children with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) treated with Ocrevus, who were 10-17 years old at trial entry, remained free of relapses over two years (#P1439).5 Ocrevus selectively depleted target B cells with little to no effect on other immune cells (#P1407), while preserving pre-existing immunity to common childhood vaccines in 81–100% of patients (#P1415). The European Commission approved Ocrevus in this indication on 15 October, following FDA approval in May.6,7
Two-year data in patients >55 years old (Poster #P1426 on the Phase IIIb CONSONANCE study): 53% of participants over 55 years old treated with Ocrevus showed no disability progression after two years, similarly to younger participants (55%), showing Ocrevus maintains its effect on progression as people age.8
Switching from other treatments to Ocrevus: Real-world data show progression was the leading reason for patients switching from ofatumumab to Ocrevus (ePoster #EP2733).9 A separate analysis of patients treated with Ocrevus or ofatumumab for one year show Ocrevus was associated with lower MRI lesion activity (Poster #P0305).10
Enspryng reduces risk of attack and is associated with improved recovery
Exploratory analyses of the pivotal METEOROID trial suggest that in addition to significantly lowering the risk of relapse (AAN 2026), Enspryng was associated with improved recovery and reduced disability progression, which is critical to prevent permanent damage to the optic nerves, spinal cord or brain in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD). These findings reinforce Enspryng’s potential to become the first FDA-approved treatment for MOGAD, with a decision in the U.S. expected in January 2027.4,11
Relapse recovery (Oral #O035): Patients treated with Enspryng achieved numerically superior recovery at 12 weeks post relapse versus placebo (median change in Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS] of -2 vs -0.5). Overall function was stable (median 0) with Enspryng, compared to worsening (median 0.5) with placebo, as measured with the EDSS at the end of the double-blind period or first relapse.4
About fenebrutinib
Fenebrutinib is an investigational oral, central nervous system (CNS)-penetrant, reversible and non-covalent Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor with an optimised pharmacokinetics (PK) profile. Fenebrutinib can act throughout the body and also cross the blood-brain barrier into the CNS to target chronic inflammation. It is uniquely designed to target relapsing and progressive biology by inhibiting cells in the immune system known as B cells and microglia. Targeting B cells helps control the acute inflammation that causes relapses, while targeting microglia inside the brain addresses the chronic damage that is thought to drive long-term disability progression.
While most current BTK inhibitors are covalent and irreversible, meaning they form a permanent chemical bond with the enzyme, fenebrutinib is non-covalent and reversible, meaning it binds and then eventually releases the enzyme.
About Ocrevus® (ocrelizumab)
Ocrevus is a humanised monoclonal antibody designed to target CD20-positive B cells, a specific type of immune cell thought to be a key contributor to myelin (nerve cell insulation and support) and axonal (nerve cell) damage. Ocrevus IV and Ocrevus subcutaneous (SC; marketed as Ocrevus Zunovo® [ocrelizumab hyaluronidase-ocsq] in the U.S.) are the only therapies approved for both RMS (including relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis [RRMS] and active, secondary progressive multiple sclerosis [SPMS], as well as clinically isolated syndrome [CIS] in the U.S.) and primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS). Both Ocrevus IV and SC are administered every six months. The initial IV dose is given as two 300 mg infusions two weeks apart with subsequent doses given as single 600 mg infusions. Ocrevus SC is given as a single 920 mg subcutaneous injection every six months.
About Enspryng® (satralizumab)
Enspryng, developed by Chugai, a member of the Roche Group, is a humanised monoclonal antibody that binds to both soluble and membrane-bound interleukin-6 receptors (IL-6R), thereby inhibiting IL-6 mediated signalling, a key pathway involved in inflammation. Enspryng incorporates Chugai’s proprietary antibody recycling technology, which enables pH-dependent binding to IL-6R and repeated engagement of the target, extending antibody circulation and supporting sustained inhibition of IL-6 mediated signalling.
Enspryng is the first and only IL-6R inhibitor treatment currently approved in approximately 90 countries for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), including in the U.S. and E.U., with a well-established safety profile in over 16,000 patients. Enspryng was also recently approved for the treatment of thyroid eye disease (TED) in the U.S.
Roche is committed to developing Enspryng in additional neurological autoimmune and inflammatory diseases that may benefit from inhibition of IL-6 mediated signalling, including myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) and autoimmune encephalitis (AIE).
About Roche in Neurology
Neurology is a major focus of research and development at Roche. Our goal is to pursue groundbreaking science to develop new diagnostics and treatments that help improve the lives of people with chronic and potentially devastating diseases globally.
Roche is investigating more than a dozen medicines for neurological conditions, including multiple sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Roche Diagnostics has developed a broad range of approved and investigational tools, including digital and blood-based tests and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) assays, aiming to more effectively detect, diagnose and monitor neurological conditions. Together with our partners, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of scientific understanding to solve some of the most difficult challenges in neurology today.
About Roche
Roche (SIX: RO, ROP; OTCQX: RHHBY) is a healthcare company uniquely placed to prevent, stop and cure diseases by uniting leading science and technology across diagnostics, medicines and digital solutions.
Roche was founded in Basel, Switzerland in 1896 and today is a leading provider of transformative medicines and diagnostics for millions of people in over 150 countries around the world. It is dedicated to tackling healthcare challenges that place the greatest strain on patients, families, communities and healthcare systems. Across its Diagnostics and Pharmaceutical divisions, Roche focuses on areas including oncology, neurology, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, ophthalmology, infectious diseases and immunology with the aim of providing real and positive change for patients, the people they love and the professionals who care for them.
Genentech in the United States is a fully owned subsidiary in the Roche Group. Roche is the majority shareholder in Chugai Pharmaceutical, a major innovator in the Japanese therapeutic antibody market.
For more information, please visit www.roche.com.
All trademarks used or mentioned in this release are protected by law.
References
[1] Oh J, et al. Fenebrutinib Shows a Therapeutic Effect on MS Progressive Biology: Outcomes on Paramagnetic Rim Lesions and Slowly Expanding Lesions in the Phase III FENhance I/II and FENtrepid Trials in Relapsing and Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (#O137). Presented at: MSToronto2026 10th Joint ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS Meeting; 23 October 2026; Toronto, Canada.
[2] Cerqueira JJFCA, et al. No Evidence of Disease Activity With Fenebrutinib vs Teriflunomide in Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis: Results From the Phase III FENhance 1 and 2 Trials (#P1434). Presented at: MSToronto2026 10th Joint ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS Meeting; 22 October 2026; Toronto, Canada.
[3] Sormani MP, et al. Efficacy of Fenebrutinib Versus Teriflunomide in Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis: Pooled Analysis Results From the FENhance 1 and 2 Studies (#O089). Presented at: MSToronto2026 10th Joint ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS Meeting; 21 October 2026; Toronto, Canada.
[4] Marignier R, et al. Severity and Recovery of Relapses in Patients with Relapsing MOGAD Treated with Satralizumab: Results from the Phase 3 METEOROID Study (#O035). Presented at: MSToronto2026 10th Joint ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS Meeting; 22 October 2026; Toronto, Canada.
[5] Deiva K, et al. OPERETTA 2: Continued Follow-Up of the Efficacy and Safety Profile of Ocrelizumab in Pediatric Relapsing-Remitting MS (#P1439). Presented at: MSToronto2026 10th Joint ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS Meeting; 22 October 2026; Toronto, Canada.
[6] Bar-Or A, et al. Impact of Ocrelizumab vs Fingolimod on Immune Function in Pediatric Patients With MS in the OPERETTA 2 Study (#P1407). Presented at: MSToronto2026 10th Joint ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS Meeting; 22 October 2026; Toronto, Canada.
[7] Banwell B, et al. Vaccination and Disease-Modifying Therapies: Impact of Ocrelizumab vs Fingolimod on Preexisting Vaccine Seropositivity and Vaccine-Preventable Infections in Pediatric Patients With MS in OPERETTA 2 (#P1415). Presented at: MSToronto2026 10th Joint ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS Meeting; 22 October 2026; Toronto, Canada.
[8] Butzkueven H, et al. Ocrelizumab Maintains Clinical and Safety Outcomes in Older Patients (>55 Years) with Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: 2-Year Results from the CONSONANCE Study (#P1426). Presented at: MSToronto2026 10th Joint ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS Meeting; 22 October 2026; Toronto, Canada.
[9] Marriott J, et al. Switching Patients with Multiple Sclerosis from Ofatumumab to Ocrelizumab: A Real-World Study of Canadian Healthcare Professionals (#EP2733). Presented at: MSToronto2026 10th Joint ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS Meeting; 21-23 October 2026; Toronto, Canada.
[10] Ziemssen T, et al. Brain Volume Loss and T2 Lesion Activity in RRMS: Real-World Longitudinal Comparison of Ocrelizumab vs. Ofatumumab (#P0305). Presented at: MSToronto2026 10th Joint ACTRIMS-ECTRIMS Meeting; 21 October 2026; Toronto, Canada.
[11] Levy M, et al. Safety and Efficacy of Satralizumab in Patients with Relapsing Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-associated Disease (MOGAD): Results from the Phase 3 METEOROID Trial (PL5.006). Presented at: 78th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) 2026; 21 April 2026; Chicago, IL, USA.
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Attachment
Media&Investor Release MSToronto2026 English
Oct 21 · 12:00·Roche
Industrial · Sustainability
TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL TECHNOLOGIES Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Koichiro Tanaka), a company engaged in the industrial precious metals business of TANAKA, announced that it will establish TANAKA MEP REFINERY SDN. BHD., a joint venture company that will engage in precious metal recycling and refining, with Malaysia-based resource recovery company MEP Enviro Technology Sdn. Bhd. (MEP).
Oct 21 · 12:00·ScoopAsia
Finance · Industrial
The Ministry of Water and Environment needs over 1,500 environmental rangers to protect the country’s wetlands, riverbanks, lakeshores and central forest reserves.
This revelation was made by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Alfred Okidi while appearing before the Public Accounts Committee (Central Government) on Wednesday, 21 October 2026.
Okidi said the ministry currently relies on 238 police officers for patrols across the leaving a significant gap in enforcement.
Okidi said staffing shortages extended beyond environmental enforcement, with the climate change department operating at less than 30 per cent while forestry stood at 35 to 40 per cent.
He identified inadequate funding, difficulties in acquiring land and climate change as other major challenges saying the ministry received not more than 40 per cent of the resources required under its strategic plan, the Fourth National Development Plan and the government manifesto.
On environmental conservation, he reported that forest coverage stood at 13.2 per cent while wetland coverage is 19.3 per cent.
Okidi also told MPs that rural water coverage stood at 72 per cent and urban coverage at 73 per cent withe 82 per cent of villages having at least one reliable water source.
The committee raised concerns about the ministry’s ability to extend water infrastructure to emerging towns whose populations have outgrown existing supply systems.
Oshabe asked how frequently the ministry updates its mapping of new urban centres and planned extensions to existing water supply systems citing Kasanda as an example of growing demand.
Okidi acknowledged the challenge saying the ministry planned to extend the Kasanda water supply scheme in this financial year.
He also called for increased tree cover to help communities cope with changing environmental conditions.
Mbale Industrial Division MP, Hon. Karim Masaba asked about the ministry’s preparedness for an El Niño event, particularly in highland areas where communities face climate-related risks.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.
Oct 21 · 11:55·APO Group
Education · Sustainability
LSEG, in collaboration with the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) (www.ICD-ps.org), the private sector arm of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, today announced the results of the 2026 edition of the Islamic Finance Development Report at the Kuala Lumpur Islamic Finance Forum (KLIFF) in Malaysia.
Key findings of the report include:
The global Islamic finance industry maintained a strong growth trajectory in 2025, with total assets reaching US$6.5 trillion, up 9% year-on-year. Growth was supported by the continued expansion in Islamic banking, record sukuk issuance, strong Islamic fund performance, and new regulatory frameworks.
Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, and Pakistan retained their positions as the world's most developed Islamic finance markets. These countries continued to benefit from comprehensive regulation, strong institutional development, active financial markets, and well-established knowledge ecosystems.
Several markets recorded notable gains in performance, including Türkiye, Tanzania, Kenya, Benin, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan, highlighting the growing momentum across both established and emerging Islamic finance markets.
The report also identified several structural trends that are shaping the industry’s development. Regulatory reforms and stronger market infrastructure are supporting growth beyond core markets, particularly across Africa and Central Asia. Sustainability guidelines are increasingly prioritised, although activity remains concentrated in developed markets. Digitalisation is also advancing, with FinTech, open banking, and tokenised sukuk influencing financing, issuance, and settlement while widening access to financial products. However, talent development is lagging industry expansion, emphasising the need for stronger specialist education.
Khalid Khalafalla, Acting Chief Executive Officer of ICD, said: “For ICD, these developments reinforce the importance of ensuring that Islamic finance serves as a practical instrument for inclusive and sustainable economic transformation. ICD remains committed to advancing private-sector development across its member countries through targeted financing and the promotion of Islamic financial solutions.”
Mustafa Adil, Head of Islamic Finance, LSEG, added: “Looking ahead, global Islamic finance assets are projected to exceed US$10.5 trillion by 2030, supported by continued Islamic banking expansion, growing sukuk issuance momentum, emerging-market adoption and demand for sustainable and digital financial solutions.”
The report draws on the Islamic Finance Development Indicator (IFDI), a global benchmark that assesses the development of the Islamic finance industry across 140 countries through five key areas, Financial Performance, Governance, Sustainability, Awareness, and Knowledge. It provides a holistic view of the global Islamic finance landscape, measuring progress in alignment with Islamic principles and supporting stakeholders in identifying opportunities for growth and reform.
Read full report: Link (https://apo-opa.co/3TTw9yq)
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD).
Note to Editors:
Tarek Fleihan / Connor Tree
+44 (0)20 7797 1222
newsroom@lseg.com
Media Contact: icd.communication@isdb.org
About LSEG:
Through our open ecosystem of markets infrastructure and data solutions, we partner with our customers at every stage of trading – to make accessing and deploying capital simpler, faster and more effective.
Our insights bring clarity to complexity, and our critical services ensure resilience and stability. We enable our customers to act with confidence and conviction, with trust and integrity at the heart of everything we do.
Backed by more than three centuries of experience, we are at the forefront of change and market innovation. Our exceptional people collaborate across borders and disciplines, delivering excellence and putting our customers first. We reimagine the way our industry works and operates – and with our deep expertise, global scale and trusted partnerships, we turn ideas into reality.
From scaling new technologies to shaping new markets, LSEG is driving the transformation of global finance. We move the financial system forward every day – to make more possible for our customers.
LSEG. Make more possible.
About ICD:
www.ICD-ps.org and follow ICD on X (@icd_ps), LinkedIn (@icdps), Facebook (@icdps), and YouTube (@icdps).
Oct 21 · 11:43·APO Group
Energy · Automotive
Electric mobility is transforming how people commute, businesses deliver goods, and manufacturers develop next-generation vehicles. Rising greenhouse gas emissions, stricter environmental regulations, and expanding charging [read full press release...]
Oct 21 · 10:30·Express Press Release
Finance · SaaS
Hong Kong, Oct 21, 2026 - On October 15, 2026, Guotai Junan International Holdings Limited (“GTJAI”, stock code: 1788.HK), a subsidiary of Guotai Haitong Group, acted as the medium term note arranger and joint global coordinator to assist Samruk-Kazyna, Kazakhstan’s sovereign wealth fund, in successfully pricing RMB 3 billion of offshore RMB bonds across 3-year and 5-year tranches, with coupon rates of 2.15% and 2.30% respectively. The listing ceremony was held at the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on October 16.
Against the backdrop of China and Kazakhstan continuing to deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership, advance high-quality “Belt and Road” cooperation, and expand cross-border RMB investment and financing cooperation, this first dim sum bond issuance by Samruk-Kazyna marks the issuer’s return to the RMB bond market following its debut panda bond in April this year. It provides a positive demonstration for high-quality issuers in Central Asia to broaden their RMB financing channels and promote regional cross-border financial cooperation.
Transaction Highlights
Regional Breakthrough: Central Asia’s first offshore RMB bond issued by a sovereign wealth fund
Market Pioneer: The first landmark issuer across Central Asia, Central/Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa to establish a deep presence in both the onshore (panda bond) and offshore (dim sum bond) RMB bond markets
Company Milestone: Samruk-Kazyna’s first offshore RMB bond issuance
Leading the Project Execution, Demonstrating Cross-Border Financial Services Capabilities
In this transaction, GTJAI served as the medium term note arranger, joint global coordinator, documentation agent, roadshow coordinator and settlement agent, leading the coordination and advancement of the project throughout and assisting the issuer in completing key stages including transaction structure design, bookbuilding, pricing, listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and settlement and delivery. Leveraging its proven offshore bond execution experience and cross-border settlement capabilities, GTJAI provided full-process professional support to ensure the efficient and smooth completion of the issuance.
Prior to the transaction, GTJAI fully leveraged its combined advantages of cross-border capital market execution efficiency and broad international investor coverage to assist the issuer in conducting investor roadshows in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore and London, meeting with more than 100 institutional investors in total and facilitating in-depth exchanges between the issuer and international investors, thereby providing strong support for the issuance.
Connecting Onshore and Offshore RMB Markets, Advancing China-Kazakhstan Financial Cooperation
Dim sum bonds are an important tool connecting international issuers with the RMB capital market. This issuance further enriches the supply of offshore RMB assets in Hong Kong and expands the use of RMB in international financing and investment. It represents an important move by GTJAI to fully leverage Hong Kong’s locational advantages and serve the diversified financing needs of enterprises in Belt and Road partner countries and regions, as well as a strong action to help Hong Kong consolidate its position as an international financial center and a global hub for offshore RMB business.
As a key overseas platform of Guotai Haitong, GTJAI has long been deeply engaged in the international debt capital markets. Leveraging extensive cross-border bond underwriting experience and a global investor network, it provides domestic and overseas issuers with comprehensive, high-quality capital market services. Looking ahead, GTJAI will continue to deepen cooperation with all parties in Kazakhstan and the Central Asian market, better serving the advancement of high-level opening-up and high-quality “Belt and Road” cooperation.
About Samruk-Kazyna
As Kazakhstan’s sovereign wealth fund, Samruk-Kazyna (Moody’s Baa1 / Fitch BBB, stable outlook, on par with Kazakhstan’s sovereign rating) enjoys solid credit fundamentals and comprehensive support from national policy. It manages a diversified asset portfolio of USD 96 billion, with operations spanning key pillar industries of the national economy, including oil and gas, mining, transportation, aviation, telecommunications and power.
This year marks the fund’s 20th anniversary. As a core pillar and key driver of Kazakhstan’s economic modernization, the fund is committed to continuously enhancing the net asset value of its portfolio companies, cultivating national champions, and serving as a bridge and catalyst in attracting foreign direct investment, thereby strengthening Kazakhstan’s economic resilience and deepening its connectivity with international capital markets.
About GTJAI
Guotai Junan International (Stock Code: 1788.HK), a subsidiary of Guotai Haitong Group, is the market leader and first mover for internationalization of Chinese Securities Company as well as the first Chinese securities broker listed on the Main Board of The Hong Kong Stock Exchange through initial public offering. Based in Hong Kong with subsidiaries in Singapore, Vietnam and Macau, GTJAI’s business covers major markets around the world, offering high-quality and diversified comprehensive financial services for clients' overseas asset allocation. Core business includes wealth management, institutional investor services, corporate finance services, investment management and other business. GTJAI has been assigned “Baa2” and “BBB+” long term issuer rating from Moody and Standard & Poor respectively, as well as an MSCI ESG “AAA” rating, Wind ESG “A” rating and SynTao Green Finance “A” rating in ESG. Additionally, its S&P Global ESG score leads 81% of its global peers. The controlling shareholder, Guotai Haitong Securities (Stock Code: 601211.SH/ 2611.HK), is the comprehensive financial provider with a long-term, sustainable and overall leading position in the China’s capital markets. For more information about GTJAI, please visit https://www.gtjai.com.
Oct 21 · 09:55·ACN Newswire
Finance · SaaS
Hong Kong, Oct 21, 2026 - On 14th, October 2026, Guotai Junan International Holdings Limited (“GTJAI”, Stock Code: 1788.HK), a subsidiary of Guotai Haitong Group, successfully priced the first offshore RMB bond for Mashreq Bank of the UAE as Joint Global Coordinator. The issuance size was RMB 1 billion, with a 3-year tenor and a coupon rate and issue yield of 2.50%. This project marks Mashreq Bank’s first dim sum bond issuance and also GTJAI’s first bond business with a Middle Eastern issuer, opening the way for further expansion into the Middle East debt capital markets.
Connecting High-Quality Middle-Eastern Issuers and Opening New RMB Financing Channels
Mashreq Bank is the fifth-largest bank in the UAE and a domestic systemically important bank (D-SIB), rated A by S&P, A by Fitch, and A3 by Moody’s. This dim sum bond issuance marks an important step in its international financing strategy, diversifying its funding sources while building a bridge to deepen ties with international RMB investors.
Leveraging its professional expertise in the offshore bond market and cross-border coordination capabilities, GTJAI worked closely with the issuer and all participating parties to efficiently advance transaction execution, providing full-process professional support for the successful completion of the deal. This collaboration not only demonstrates GTJAI’s execution capabilities in serving high-quality international issuers, but also helps further connect Middle Eastern financing needs with the offshore RMB capital market.
Deepening International Business Layout, Supporting RMB Internationalization
This issuance further enriches the issuer base of the offshore RMB bond market and sets a new example for Middle Eastern financial institutions seeking to expand their RMB financing channels. Building on this first Middle East deal, GTJAI will continue to extend its cross-border financial services network and promote two-way connectivity between international issuers and the RMB capital market.
As a key overseas platform of Guotai Haitong, GTJAI has long been deeply engaged in the international debt capital markets. Leveraging extensive cross-border bond underwriting experience and a global investor network, it provides domestic and overseas issuers with comprehensive, high-quality capital market services. This transaction represents an important practice by GTJAI in actively responding to the nation’s call, serving the broader goal of high-quality “Belt and Road” cooperation, and continuing to support high-quality issuers along the routes in broadening their RMB financing channels, advancing the development of the offshore RMB bond market, and contributing to RMB internationalization. Looking ahead, GTJAI will continue to leverage the advantages of its cross-border investment banking platform to help more high-quality issuers diversify their international financing channels and connect with global capital markets.
About GTJAI
Guotai Junan International (Stock Code: 1788.HK), a subsidiary of Guotai Haitong Group, is the market leader and first mover for internationalization of Chinese Securities Company as well as the first Chinese securities broker listed on the Main Board of The Hong Kong Stock Exchange through initial public offering. Based in Hong Kong with subsidiaries in Singapore, Vietnam and Macau, GTJAI’s business covers major markets around the world, offering high-quality and diversified comprehensive financial services for clients' overseas asset allocation. Core business includes wealth management, institutional investor services, corporate finance services, investment management and other business. GTJAI has been assigned “Baa2” and “BBB+” long term issuer rating from Moody and Standard & Poor respectively, as well as an MSCI ESG “AAA” rating, Wind ESG “A” rating and SynTao Green Finance “A” rating in ESG. Additionally, its S&P Global ESG score leads 81% of its global peers. The controlling shareholder, Guotai Haitong Securities (Stock Code: 601211.SH/ 2611.HK), is the comprehensive financial provider with a long-term, sustainable and overall leading position in the China’s capital markets. For more information about GTJAI, please visit https://www.gtjai.com.
Oct 21 · 09:16·ACN Newswire
Food & drink · Sustainability
The acclaimed Oregon winery highlights decades of land preservation, a 30% lighter wine bottle, and its ongoing investment in people and community. DAYTON, Ore., October 21, 2026--In recognition of Sustainability Month this October, Domaine Serene Winery is highlighting the deep-rooted stewardship deci
Oct 21 · 09:01·Business Wire
Industrial · Biotech & pharma
HONG KONG, Oct. 21, 2026 -- On 20 October, the Sustainability Global Leaders Conference 2026 was held in Shanghai. The Conference, themed "Building a Resilient Future Together: Global Governance, Innovation-Driven Growth, and Industrial Upgrading", brought together more than...
Oct 21 · 08:45·PR Newswire
Healthcare · Sustainability
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel King Urey Yarkpawolo has called for sustained city cleaning efforts beyond the duration of the Presidential Clean Cities Initiative, saying lasting municipal commitment will be essential to healthier, safer communities.
Speaking at the official launch and orientation for Phase One of the initiative, covering Monrovia and Paynesville, Dr. Yarkpawolo commended President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., for a program that links short-term employment for young people with environmental protection and community well-being.
The launch took place at the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC) as part of a program that also included remarks from government officials and implementing partners. The initiative’s orientation agenda covered project objectives and responsibilities, sanitation-worker safety, community engagement, and the distribution of personal protective equipment.
Addressing participating young people, Dr. Yarkpawolo said their work—clearing drains, cleaning public spaces and safely removing waste, would make a meaningful contribution to communities. He emphasized that sanitation work carries dignity and called on residents to support the workers and dispose of waste responsibly.
The EPA Executive Director connected the initiative to climate adaptation, explaining that poor waste disposal, blocked drains and damage to wetlands can worsen flooding.
“Keeping drains open, protecting wetlands and managing waste properly can help communities cope with heavy rainfall”, he said, while noting that cleanup must be complemented by sound planning, adequate drainage infrastructure and protection of waterways.
He also highlighted the public-health benefits of proper waste collection and drainage maintenance, including reducing the risk of floodwater contaminating homes and drinking water and limiting mosquito breeding sites.
Dr. Yarkpawolo stressed that worker safety must be central to implementation. He called for appropriate tools and protective equipment, supervision and clear guidance on handling hazardous materials, as well as proper transportation of collected waste to suitable disposal facilities.
“The employment may be short-term, but our commitment to clean cities must be permanent,” he said, urging city governments to establish regular cleaning schedules, assign clear responsibilities and include waste collection and transport in municipal budgets.
He called for particular attention to shared spaces such as markets, streets, public drains, transport terminals and parks, and encouraged collaboration among municipal authorities, community leaders, market associations, businesses and residents. He also urged stakeholders to explore ways for participating young people to continue contributing through waste collection, recycling and other environmental services.
The EPA head, Dr. Yarkpawolo said, would support the initiative within its mandate through technical guidance, environmental awareness and collaboration with implementing agencies and city authorities to promote safe waste management.
He concluded by calling for the launch to mark the beginning of a lasting culture of care for Liberia’s cities—one that creates opportunities, reduces flood risks, protects public health and strengthens community pride.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Liberia Environmental Protection.
Oct 21 · 08:08·APO Group
Biotech & pharma · Sustainability
Germany’s ROI opportunities center on synthetic microcarriers, biopharma, vaccines and cell therapies, with automation, single-use systems and sustainable materials improving scale and efficiency.
Germany’s ROI opportunities center on synthetic microcarriers, biopharma, vaccines and cell therapies, with automation, single-use systems and sustainable materials improving scale and efficiency.
Oct 21 · 08:03·GlobeNewswire